New Jersey Governor Calls War on Drugs a “Failure”

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie became the latest in a series of high-profile politicians and public figures who have criticized the United States’ decades-long policy of a “war on drugs.” Though Christie does not want to seem soft on crime, he brought attention to the wasted money, effort, and increased crime brought on by the so-called war on drugs. Instead, Christie argued, New Jersey should focus its efforts on rehabilitation for drug users, highlighting his recent bill that gives drug users mandatory treatment programs instead of prison terms. Not only can treatment turn a life around, it makes much more sense financially, he continued. A full year of prison costs $49,000 per person, compared to $24,000 for a whole year of drug treatment.

U.S. President Richard Nixon was the first one to use the term “war on drugs.” Begun under his presidency, the United States government has pursued a zero-tolerance policy for drug users, producers, and dealers, handing out stiff penalties to all three. Many commentators directly link the harsh punishments to the overcrowding of United States prisons. Gov. Christie is the latest figure drawing attention to the fact that treatment is a better option than prison for almost everyone.

Though drugs are linked to all kinds of social ills, including increased crime, treatment is the much better option. Thankfully there is good help available in New Jersey. Medications and cognitive-behavioral therapy have proven to be effective in treating drug addictions. It can be difficult or impossible for an addict to treat themselves on their own or with family members, so it’s very important to find the right treatment center. At Seabrook, we tailor our treatment plans to each individual patient’s needs, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting the right remedy for yourself or for a loved one. Seabrook has rehabilitation centers in New Jersey (NJ), Pennsylvania (PA), and an outpatient center in New York (NY). Contact Seabrook today for any questions about drugs, addiction, and treatment.